In a previous blog, we talked about how to find the right interior designer for you. But if you’re not yet at the stage of looking for an interior designer, you might be wondering whether you need one – and what they actually do.
The world of interior design might seem a little complex from the outside and, to be frank, it is — a good interior designer knows their craft inside out. Fortunately, you don’t have to, but it does help to have an understanding of their role if you’re looking to build your own home or redesign your interior.
What interior designers do
Fundamentally, interior designers create functional and aesthetically-pleasing indoor spaces. They manage space requirements, advise on colour palettes, choose goods and furniture, and select decorative items.
From beginning to end, generally they can:
- Give advice about the layout of a space
- Work with you to understand your needs and wants for the space
- Create mood boards
- Share 2/3D design plans
- Share lists of fixtures & furniture
- Consult with specialists on-site
- Work out timelines, such as deadlines for tradespeople, and deliveries for products
- Be there to celebrate the final product with you!
But there are a few things to keep in mind terminology-wise, and a few ways that exact job titles differ in what they can offer. Let’s take a look at some of the differences.
Interior designer vs interior decorator
Decorating, of course, is a part of the creation of a beautiful interior, and this may make it sound as though interior decorating and designing are the same thing.
Interior design involves planning, consulting, and a use of artistic vision. On the other hand, interior decorating involves working to a specific brief to furnish and adorn a space. This doesn’t mean interior decorating is not artistic, but that decorators don’t have a hand in the mood-boarding, scoping, and designing of a home.
Interior designers will often ask decorators to deliver on their vision – and sometimes they will get involved in parts of the execution themselves.
Because of the complexity of the work involved in being an interior designer – from understanding a client’s needs to knowing regulatory requirements – they’re usually expected to have specific related qualifications (typically at university level).
Interior designer vs architect
You might like to consider that an interior decorator is to the designer what a builder is to an architect – one draws up the plans, the other executes them. But what’s the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
Essentially, they both draw up plans for a space, but an architect’s work is more structural and involves the external spaces of a building. They draw up plans for the walls, the roof, and the materials used to create a shell.
The interior designer, on the other hand, works primarily with the look and feel of the internal spaces of a building.
Architects also have to consider creative elements like light and flow, and work to the client’s needs. After all, an interior designer has a big challenge on their hands if the shell of the building doesn’t fit the client’s interior needs, or allow for the execution of the vision! It’s important, then, for the two professionals to work together towards a shared goal.
Types of interior designer
There are also different kinds of interior designers, but the good news is that they will advertise themselves for the specific services they can perform.
For example, some interior designers specialise in space planning, while others specialise in lighting. Some specialised roles include:
- Kitchen designer: this is someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience bringing together beautiful, functional kitchen spaces. Kitchens can be complex to design, which is why some designers choose to hone in on this specifically.
- Space planner: these specialists help you determine the functions of an area and how to make best use of a space (including light and flow)
- Interior architect: they work primarily with existing structures to see how they might be redesigned for your needs
- Lighting designer: working with a crucial element of your home, they focus specifically on illuminating your home in all the right ways and places.
How much does an interior designer cost?
If we may be vague, how much you pay for an interior designer really depends on the scope of your project.
For the most part, they’re more affordable than people think. But again, the cost and affordability will vary depending on your needs and budget. For example, if you just need an E-designer to recommend a design, colour scheme, and layout remotely, it could cost around £500 per room.
But if you’re looking for a more encompassing interior design approach where the designer visits your property, gets to know you, and works with you throughout the entire process, you’ll be paying significantly more. For this quality of work, the close relationship, the elements of project management, and more, you can expect to pay around 5-15% of your overall project costs.
Get the home you desire with Aspire
We’ve been creating amazing spaces across London and the South East for the past 14 years. With an eye for detail and a passion for both function and beauty, our select team is committed to bringing our clients’ dreams to life. You can see some of our favourite recent projects here.
Working with only the best-in-class interior designers, architects, and project managers, we’re proud to say that no home we create is anything less than extraordinary. The finest materials, the most skilled craftsmen, and quality first — that’s Aspire.
Find out more about our services here and do get in touch if you have any questions.
In the meantime, head over to our blog for more luxury property news and insights!